Ebook The Ancient History of China to the End of the Chóu Dynasty

When, in 1813, about the time of the battle of Leipzig, patriotic cares preyed upon his soul, Germany's great poet, Goethe, took refuge in the history of China. The novelty of the study and the very diversity of the subject had, we may conclude from his own words,l a salutary effect on his mind. The century, or nearly so, which has elapsed since the time when Chinese subjects were the Ultima Thule in that wide range of scientific industry characteristic of one of the world's most universal minds has wrought a wonder ful change in public interest. Political events have brought China to the front; and the Western world is now more than ever bent on study ing the civilization of that once-neglected empire — un fortunately often with ill success. It is the universal complaint among Westerners — and those who have had the longest experience in studying Orientals are the most ready to admit the fact — that we shall scarcely ever be come as familiar with the Chinese as we are with nations nearer to ourselves in race and culture. This complaint will probably never cease to be justified, but it may be considerably attenuated.